Texas Tech University is one of the most heavily recruited-from schools in the nation with accolades we're proud of – and that goes for our professional certificate programs, too! From our grassroots involvement in developing the Texas wine industry to currently working alongside wine growers, wine makers, and wine businesses, you can be confident not only in your practical, marketable skills, but also your ability to make a global impact.

Our instructors are subject matter experts and researchers with a working knowledge in the courses they teach, and the majority of our graduates are currently working within the many different facets of the wine industry.

While many of our students can achieve a wine professional certificate while maintaining full-time employment, this is not a guarantee. Most of our certificate classes are online and are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working students.

NOTE: The Essential Wine Analysis and Sensory Evaluation for Wine Production courses are in-person classes conducted at our university annex in Fredericksburg, Texas over two to three consecutive days.

The possibilities are endless! Here are just some of the careers that our students have gone into after graduation:

• Winemaker or Winery Cellar Master/Lead
• Vineyard Manager or Production Manager
• Laboratory Technician or Fermentation Researcher
• Vineyard Consultant or Grower Relations Manager
• Winery Operations Manager or Accountant/Bookkeeper
• Winery Events Coordinator
• Tasting Room Manager/Associate or Sales Manager
• Sommelier or Tourism and Hospitality Ambassador/Concierge
• Warehouse Foreperson
• Wine Consultant or Owner of a wine-related business

…and much more, it's all possible from here!

The online portion of the program will be delivered via the Blackboard course management system. Since most of the lectures are narrated and delivered via streaming audio, a high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended. A reliable e-mail address and word processing software will also be needed. Applicants accepted into the program will be provided with web access to coursework following completion of registration.

Certificate Program Fees

• Viticulture Certificate — The cost of this two-year program is $3,400, which consists of one registration fee and five course fees paid as students progress in the program.
• Winemaking Certificate — $175 per credit hour plus any applicable lab fees.
• Wine Business Certificate — The Wine Business Certificate consists of a total of 6 courses. Classes are offered in 6-week or 10-week blocks: $650/10-week course, and $450/6-week course. (This program is offered on a course-by-course basis. Courses may also be taken on an individual basis without the intention of completing the full certificate program.)

Refunds

• You can request a refund, minus the 5% processing fee, within the first two weeks of the class.
• Refund requests made after the first two weeks will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Up to 50% of the class fee may be returned.

Transfers

• Under special circumstances you may request a transfer to an upcoming offering of the class. A transfer fee of $50.00 will apply.
• Coursework from the previous offering will not be honored.
• Generally, only one transfer will be honored during your time in the certificate program. Once you have transferred, you cannot request a refund or an incomplete for that class.

Dedicated scholarships are available to qualifying students:

Certificate Programs Scholarships:

• Texas Wine Society
• Forging Futures
• Hill Country Wineries Association
• The Roots Fund — Wine Industry Nonprofit

Undergraduate Scholarships:

• Texas Wine Society
• Hill Country Wineries Association
• Hoss Newsom Scholarship (through TWGGA)
• San Antonio Livestock Exposition Viticulture and Enology Scholarship
• High Plains Wine and Food Foundation
• The Roots Fund — Wine Industry Nonprofit
• Melanie Holloway Viticulture and Enology Scholarship (Fredericksburg students only)
• Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts Scholarship (Fredericksburg students only)

Learn more about our various scholarship opportunities here.